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The Mayan Apocalypse 2012

2012 is a big year – Euro 2012, the Olympics, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the world’s end. The net’s been going bananas over an ancient prophecy that something bad will happen on 21 December 2012, and the flames of fear have been fanned by movie director Roland Emmerich. This isn’t the first time the apocalypse has been imagined, but what’s the real story, and why does it hold such sway with so many?

About this programme

Paul Murton examines the claim made thousands of years ago in Central America by the Maya people that the world could end in 2012. He travels to America and the rainforests of Guatemala to explore the prophecy, which has become known as the `2012 phenomenon', and which seems to have gained more credibility in recent years.